On your sixteenth birthday, chances are the only gift you wanted as a shiny pair of car keys- and a sleek new sports car in the front drive of course. At sixteen, the United States considers teens old enough to drive without a parent, and after passing a simple 30 minute test, these young adults are normally free to hit the roads. While the excitement of independence and driving is a significant part of teen life, some of these adolescents shouldn't be behind the wheel until they are more responsible and mature. Car crashes caused by teen drivers are the primary cause of death for teenagers in America today. The National Safety Council reports that 15 crashes occur every day that involve a driver who is between 15-20 years of age. This is due in part to teen's tendency to get distracted or fool around with friends while on the road. Teenagers account for 12.6 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes, and 5,000-6,000 perish this way every year.

Even simple distractions like the radio, texting on a cell phone or carrying on a telephone conversation can create dangerous driving habits. Data shows that texting and handhold cell phone use is highest among young adults ages 16-24. Fatal crash rates among teens 16-19 is four times the rate for older drivers. Specifically, 16 year olds are at a high risk to crash, with a 40 percent higher tendency than an 18 year-old. These new drivers often just aren't mature enough to think wisely behind the wheel. Late-night racing and adolescent drunk driving lead to fatal collisions every year. In fact, the primary time for a teen car crash is between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

In some states, such as California, the DMV has instituted statues to keep teens safe while driving. For one year after a teen gets his or her license, he or she is not permitted to drive anyone under the age of 21. This rule came from the fact that 44 percent of teens admit that they drive safer without friends in the car. Friends can be a dangerous distraction, and teens under peer pressure may be tempted to race, speed, swerve or show off with dangerous car stunts just to get a laugh or approval. The National Safety Council states that adding just one passenger to the car increases a teen's crash risk by 48 percent. When three or more passengers are in the vehicle, the teen driver increases his or her cash risk by 307 percent. The friends are not to blame, but only 45 percent of teens interviewed in a study state that they would speak up if they believed that their friend was driving recklessly.

Adolescent drivers do not have much experience, so sometimes it only takes a new weather condition, such as rain or snow, to confuse a teen into danger. Since teenagers are fighting for their independence, they often won't admit when they do not know how to drive in certain conditions, and will try to "figure things out for themselves," which can result in catastrophe. The National Safety Council adds that the first six to twelve months with a license are a crucial learning time for new drivers. Teens also have a tendency to speed. The thrill of the zooming along the asphalt is often too much to handle, and new drivers want to put their pedal to the metal to experience the fun. 26 percent of "aggressive" teen-drivers reported that they often speed 20 mph or more over the proscribed limit, and 17 percent of teens openly admit that speeding is fun.

When it comes to teen drivers, precautions can be made. First of all, if you are a parent, carefully evaluate your teen's maturity before allowing him or her test for a driver's license. Your son or daughter may pass a simple driving test, but that does not guarantee that he or she should be out on the road. Consider the responsibilities that come with driving and set rules for your child accordingly. Teens should always wear seatbelts when driving in the car, because this can reduce fatality in the case of an accident by 45 percent. Historically, teens do not wear seatbelts as consistently as adults do. Young drivers need to avoid any distractions that could affect their driving. This involves putting cell phones away when at the wheel. Also, teens should never tamper with the stereo. It is very important to practice safe driving habits to avoid dangerous crashes. This will keep teens from endangering others and themselves out on the road.